Rafael Nadal news: Tennis great thinks Spaniard’s injury is a blessing in disguise

Rafael Nadal sustained a rib injury during the Indian Wells Masters and it has him side lined for at least four weeks meaning he can’t climb up the rankings and defend his No 4 spot, but tennis legend Chris Evert believes this will be a good thing for him in the long run.

The Spaniard played the BNP Paribas Open final against Taylor Fritz with a cracked rib and complained about not being able to breathe which led to him even having to lie down during the match to get treatment.

This injury won’t leave him with a lot of time to prepare for the French Open which kicks off at the end of May, but his rest is a blessing in disguise for the 21 time Grand Slam champion, Evert believes.

Hola todos, quería anunciaros que he vuelto a España y fui enseguida a visitar a mi equipo médico para hacerme las pruebas tras la final de Indian Wells que jugué con molestias.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 22, 2022

“I think with his record this year he has lost one match so far, he had that streak of so many tournaments and so many wins and he has had a wonderful start to 2022, I think this injury is a hiccup,” the 67-year-old told Eurosport.

“I think any time Rafa can rest and take time off I think is a bonus, is a positive for him, what comes into effect is the years and years and years before, it is not only what happened three or four weeks ago – he has a myriad of experience and confidence from years and years of pulling himself out of tough matches and being world No 1, I don’t think the mental part will affect him.

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